South Yorkshire animal rescue launches ‘paw print plaques’ after pandemic hampers fundraising efforts

A South Yorkshire animal rescue centre has lifted the lid on what the pandemic year has been like for their animals and staff - and unveiled a new way supporters can feel part of the vital work they do.
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Rain Rescue in Rotherham was set up in 2002 and has since saved the lives of thousands of dogs and cats, including 404 individual animals in 2020.

Due to the extra pressures of the coronavirus crisis, they have not been able to raise money as they would do normally, leaving them short of much needed funds.

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However, supporters and friends of the rescue can now help them out by buying a ‘paw print plaque’ at their Wickersley centre, helping create a colourful display as well as contributing to their work.

Staff and animals at Rain Rescue help promote their paw print plaques they are offering this year to help them through the pandemic financially. Pictured is Michael Heredge with Lilly. Picture: Chris Etchells.Staff and animals at Rain Rescue help promote their paw print plaques they are offering this year to help them through the pandemic financially. Pictured is Michael Heredge with Lilly. Picture: Chris Etchells.
Staff and animals at Rain Rescue help promote their paw print plaques they are offering this year to help them through the pandemic financially. Pictured is Michael Heredge with Lilly. Picture: Chris Etchells.

Founder and CEO Jacquie Neilson said since starting to rescue animals 19 years ago, she had never known anything like the times they are going through at the moment.

She said: “At our rescue centre site, the small team have worked tirelessly and often very lonely throughout this pandemic.

“Through all weathers, they make sure that the dogs and cats in our care are warm and fed and receive their vet treatment and nursing.

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“We think the plaques are a wonderful uplifting image through these very sad times and would welcome supporters to join us with a paw at the centre.”

Staff and animals at Rain Rescue to help promote their paw print plaques they are offering this year to help them through the pandemic financially.  Picture: Chris Etchells.Staff and animals at Rain Rescue to help promote their paw print plaques they are offering this year to help them through the pandemic financially.  Picture: Chris Etchells.
Staff and animals at Rain Rescue to help promote their paw print plaques they are offering this year to help them through the pandemic financially. Picture: Chris Etchells.

Jacquie said each of their animals is given love, food, shelter and vet treatment as necessary - but that behind every one of those dogs and cats, there is a human story too.

“Whether that be the elderly person going into care, a family being evicted, parents devastated over a suicide - there are many reasons for a loved family friend to need a new home,” she said.

“Then there is the happy side, as the new family welcome in their new friend, both sharing many happy years to come. We listen to the story and we help - every day 365 days a year for 19 years."

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To find out more or order your paw print plaque visit www.rainrescue.co.uk/product-category/paw-print-at-rain.

Staff and animals at Rain Rescue to help promote their paw print plaques they are offering this year to help them through the pandemic financially. Picture: Chris Etchells.Staff and animals at Rain Rescue to help promote their paw print plaques they are offering this year to help them through the pandemic financially. Picture: Chris Etchells.
Staff and animals at Rain Rescue to help promote their paw print plaques they are offering this year to help them through the pandemic financially. Picture: Chris Etchells.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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